DIY - How To Make Homemade Lotion

It's easy to make homemade lotion. (Shawn Campbell)

Lotion can soothe, replenish, and protect your skin. Depending on the ingredients, it can also perfume or medicate your skin. If you buy a lotion, there's a chance it will cause a reaction or worsen a pre-existing skin condition. Fortunately, it's easy to make a homemade lotion, using ingredients you control. Here's a simple non-irritating recipe to try. You can customize it to suit your needs:

Homemade Lotion Ingredients

• 1-2 tablespoons beeswax
• 3/4 cup sunflower oil (or jojoba oil)
• 1/4 cup sweet almond oil
• 1 cup mineral water or rose water
• few drops of essential oils (optional)
• contents of a vitamin E capsule (optional)

Use the lower amount of beeswax for a more fluid lotion and the higher amount for a creamier lotion. You can substitute olive oil for one of the other oils, but keep in mind it does not have as long of a shelf life and will affect the color of the lotion (which might be good, depending on what you want). Essential oils could include lavender, chamomile, or neroli. You can add them for fragrance and therapeutic effects or omit them to make an unscented lotion.

Make the Homemade Lotion

1. Ideally, the first step should be to sterilize the container you will use to store the oil. This helps prevent any bacteria or mold from growing in the lotion and is generally more hygienic. Do this by immersing heat-safe bottles or jars in boiling water. Alternatively, you can run the containers through a dishwasher to eliminate most microorganisms.
2. In a double boiler (or a bowl sitting in a pan of hot water), melt together the beeswax and oils. Once melted, let the oil mixture cool enough that it is safe to handle.
3. Pour the water into a blender. Turn the blender on a high speed.
4. Slowly pour the oil into the blender. This creates an emulsion, which incorporates the oil and water in a way that won't separate.
5. If you are using them, add essential oils or vitamin E last.
6. This is your lotion! Pour it into the container you have prepared. Keep the lid closed when you aren't using it to keep it clean.

Low Carb Diet - Why Maltitol Is Not Your Friend

If you're diabetic or on a low carb diet and you have a sweet tooth, you'll hear the siren call of sugar-free treats. Sugar-Free Reese's Cups. Sugar-Free Hershey Bars. They taste amazing! However, you should consider avoiding temptations that are sweetened with maltitol. Here's a look at what maltitol is and why it might not be your dietary friend.

What Maltitol Is

Maltitol is a sugar alcohol. It tastes a lot like table sugar (sucrose), looks similar, and works much the same in recipes. It's a carbohydrate, but you can't metabolize it completely . It's added to foods to make them sugar-free in the belief the maltitol won't have the same effect on blood sugar you'd get from eating the real deal. Maybe for some people, this is true. For many, maltitol is just an expensive version of sugar.

Maltitol, Carbs, and Your Glycemic Index

Sugar-free candies sweetened with maltitol warn right on the packaging they are not low calorie foods. While you get only 2-3 calories per gram of maltitol, versus 4 calories per gram of sugar, maltitol isn't as sweet as sugar, so more is needed to get the same effect. Basically, this means you get the same calories per level of sweetness whether you use sucrose or maltitol. This would be fine, since calories aren't the concern, except many people's bodies recognize maltitol as a carbohydrate. Its glycemic index is 52, which approaches sugar's glycemic index of 60. If you're diabetic, it will spike your blood sugar. If you're on a low carb diet, it could knock you out of ketosis, stall weight loss, and lead to subsequent carb cravings.

Maltitol's Other Effect

Maltitol also causes digestive problems for many people. If the potential effect on your blood sugar doesn't scare you away, you might want to skip this ingredient to avoid the gas, cramps, and possibility of diarrhea. There are other sweeteners out there with fewer side effects and great taste that are less likely to mess up your diet. Choose one of them or at least exercise caution if you go for the maltitol treats. Limit yourself to one or two candies until you know what to expect.

Top 5 Reasons You're Not Losing Weight on a Low Carb Diet

It's extremely discouraging to get stuck on a weight loss plateau. I'm sure this is true on any diet, but it seems especially cruel when you're on a low carb diet, such as Atkins induction or another ketogenic diet, because you're probably staying away from high carb foods you love and miss. Yes, pizza, I'm thinking of you.

I've been there -- I know. I was stuck for 5 weeks, during which time I increased activity, cut back on calories... nothing worked for me. So I did my research and uncovered hidden blocks to my weight loss. I'm past the plateau and I'm hoping you will be too. No matter how strictly you've been following a low carb diet, there are factors that can make you maintain (or even gain) weight. Here's a look at what they are and how to beat them:

1. You're Eating Hidden Carbs
   
   It's not that labels lie, but they don't tell the whole truth. That little packet of sweetener you add to everything? Each one is probably 1-2 grams of carbs, which add up over the course of a day. Solution? Switch to the liquid sweetener, which is truly 0 carbs (or close enough).
   
   Another sneaky source of carbs is medication. If you take anything at all, over the counter or prescription, assume it contains carbs. Usually this is the binder portion of the inactive ingredient list. Solution? Google how many carbs are in your drug and add the count to your daily carb total.
   
   Keep in mind, zero calories does not equal zero carbs. This was one of my downfalls, right here: I'd drink a zero calorie sports drink to get my electrolytes, thinking I was good. Nope.... 2 grams of carb per serving or 4 per bottle. Solution? Check the carb counts. Limit consumption.
   
   Finally, realize there are different types of carbohydrates. You might be able to eat sugar alcohols with no concern except the side effects and calories, or you might suffer a weight loss plateau from eating them. If you're not losing weight, cut out carbs you think are "safe" and see what happens.

2. You're Eating Too Many Calories
   
   No matter what diet you're on, you lose weight when the calories used exceed the calories eaten. Did you think you could eat all you wanted, as long as you kept under your carb count, and still lose weight? That works for many people, but not everyone. The reason people lose weight on low carb eating all they want is because the protein and fat help you feel satiated, so you automatically eat fewer calories. So, automatic portion control does not work for everyone because being hungry is not the only reason people eat! If you're stuck on a weight loss plateau, try counting and cutting calories.
   
   You may consider cutting carbs rather than calories. If you're eating 100 grams of carbs per day, cut back. Try 50. Are you at 50 grams? Try 20 grams and see if you start losing weight.

3. You're Too Stressed
   
   Hormones control how your body stores and burns fat. Cortisol, in particular, may be working against you if you're stressed, telling your body it needs to keep its fat to protect you from some impending doom. Solution? This is a tough one, because it's hard to beat stress. Exercise, but not to excess. Set a bed time, turn out all the lights, and try to get quality sleep. Make sure you're getting plenty of water. Try yoga or meditation.
   
   
4. You're Actually Losing Weight But Don't Know It
   
   When you seek to lose weight, chances are what you really want is to lose fat. The scale won't necessarily tell you when that happens because it can't tell water and protein and fat apart. So, if your clothes fit better or you're stronger, chances are the scale hasn't registered a net loss because you've gained muscle. Even if you didn't lose fat (though you probably did), muscle burns more calories than other tissue, so it will help you with your weight loss goals.
   
   Another reason you might not see weight loss, even though you're burning fat, is that you're not drinking enough water or your eating too much salt. If you're holding water, your weight may appear higher than it really is. Really, with a low carb diet, a bigger concern is losing electrolytes with water (e.g., magnesium, potassium). Keep hydrated and watch your electrolyte balance.

5. You've Got an Underlying Medical Condition
   
   You know how you always hear you're supposed to consult a doctor before beginning a weight loss program? It's good advice because basic blood tests can identify fundamental road blocks on the path to weight loss. If there's anything out of whack with your liver or thyroid, weight loss may prove more challenging than anticipated. Ladies, not that it's a "condition", but if you've entered menopause, the hormone shifts and reduced calorie requirement may also make weight loss harder than it used to be. Solution to these issues? Work together with your medical professional, not off by yourself.

Breaking My Weight Loss Plateau

If you've maintained weight for a few days or a week, don't freak out. Chances are it's just a natural fluctuation in the amount of water you're holding and you'll be back on track in a few days. If you've gone weeks or months at the same weight, don't give up and cheat. Try to find the underlying cause. Keep in mind, as you zero in on your goal weight, it gets harder and harder to lose additional weight. You'll need to be patient.

For me, the solution was finding and eliminating hidden carbs. I'm sure stress was a contributing factor too, although I can't say I've tackled that one. I was actually eating more calories when the weight loss started back up again. As it turns out, eating too little might have contributed to the plateau. When you cut calories dramatically for an extended period of time, you're body starts to conserve its stores. No, I was not starving myself, but I was working out. If your situation is similar, try adding a bit more protein to your diet and see what happens.

Good luck and let me know if any of these tips help you!

Classic Herbal Aftershave

Here's an easy-to-make herbal aftershave with a classic spicy scent.

Tools

• measuring cups/spoons
  
• small jar with tight-fitting lid
  
• small strainer or coffee filter
  
• bottle for finished product
  

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup vodka
  
• 2 tablespoons rum (may substitute witch hazel)
  
• 1 small cinnamon stick
  
• 2 dried bay leaves
  
• 1/4 teaspoon whole allspice
  
• zest from one small orange
  
• drop or two grapefuit or cypress essential oil (optional)
  

Directions

• Simply mix the ingredients together.
  
• Pour the liquid into a jar and seal it.
  
• Leave the jar in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks.
  
• Strain the liquid and pour it into a clean bottle.
  
• To use: Splash a small amount onto the face following shaving.
  

Free Natural Beauty & Health Projects

As I mentioned in my last post, I started adding groups of tutorials over at Squidoo. I like the pages there because I can list several related recipes or instructions on one page so you can scan for the information you need. Here's a look at what I have so far:

Lip Gloss Recipes

How to Make Perfume

Make Your Own Shampoo

Make Your Own Conditioner

Head Lice Treatments that Really Work

Make Your Own Toothpaste

Bach Flower Remedies

Portuguese Man of War Sting First Aid

Lip Gloss Recipes (and Diaper Ointment)

When I wrote for All Info About, I had a long list of natural lip balm, lip stain, and lip gloss recipes. As much as I love Blogger, it's not the greatest venue for posting recipes, so I started a page over at Squidoo that lists different types of lip gloss recipes. The recipe for a general lip gloss is good for more than your lips though. When my oldest son was born, that balm was a lifesaver as a diaper ointment. It protected his bottom and was (apparently) soothing when he did get a rash. When you think about it, a product that protects and soothes chapped lips is good for other sensitive skin, too.

Remove Moles with Bloodroot

Bloodroot for Skin Conditions

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) paste is a folk remedy used by native North Americans that has been documented as effective for removing moles, warts, and skin tags. When I say 'documented' I mean there is a lot of anecdotal evidence that the plant removes these conditions, but I didn't see peer-reviewed studies regarding the effectiveness, safety, or permanence of the treatment. That seems fairly typical for folk remedies, in part because there is no way to standardize the treatment.

The sap from the plant resembles blood. The dried root produces a paste that is gritty and reddish. Bloodroot contains a high level of chemicals called alkaloids. Examples of alkaloids you may be familiar with include caffeine from coffee and salicylic acid from willow bark (precursor of aspirin). While some alkaloids are healthful, some are extremely toxic.

Removing Moles with Bloodroot

After reading about bloodroot, I decided to try it out for myself in a very uncontrolled experiment. Basically, the treatment for moles is to cover the affected area with a damp paste or poultice of bloodroot (sometimes other ingredients are found in commercial preparations), cover the mole/wart/skin tag with a bandage, and let nature take its course. I read the speed of the treatment could be increased by exfoliating the skin with a pumice stone or by scratching it with a sterile needle.

I chose three moles, including two that were raised, and tried it out. The preparation is pretty unattractive, drying to a dark reddish brown, so if you plan to address a skin condition on your face, be aware of this. For two of the moles, I felt a mild burning sensation after applying the poultice. It wasn't unbearable or distracting. After a day, the moles had formed scabs. There was redness in the region surrounding two of the moles as well. For one test area, a scab formed over the entire area that had contacted the poultice, not just the mole.

I read some people think the treatment should be discontinued and the skin allowed to heal as soon as a scab has formed. Others recommend applying the poultice for another day or longer. Several sources say it may take up to 30 days for a mole to be removed. I took the minimalist route and discontinued applying bloodroot as soon as a scab had formed. In my case, two of the moles basically fell off after 48 hours. Both healed with a lightened area around the area where the mole had been. One mole returned, the other did not. The third mole did not form a scab after a day, and I had discontinued treatment to see how the other two would end up.

Does Bloodroot Work?

I think there is some trial-and-error involved in the bloodroot treatment, but I also think it may be a viable alternative to cryotherapy or other surgical techniques to remove a skin condition. In my opinion, it's definitely worth trying, both because it's relatively inexpensive and because you may successfully remove the condition without scarring. On the other hand, I would advise anyone considering trying bloodroot to expect burning and irritation, to realize there is a risk of infection with any treatment (surgical or non-invasive), and that scar formation is a possibility (again, with any treatment), plus there may be reactions to the substances in the plant, including an allergic reaction.

Natural High Blood Pressure Remedies

What Is Hypertension?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition in which the pressure exerted on the body's blood vessels is higher than normal. Normal blood pressure is usually accepted to be a systolic pressure below 140 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure below 90 mm Hg, depending on age (blood pressure is stated with systolic first and diastolic second, such as '120/80' is a systolic of 120 and a diastolic of 80). The systolic pressure is the force applied when the heart beats, while the diastolic pressure is the resting pressure maintained in the blood vessels between contractions of the heart.

Why Is Management Important?

High blood pressure causes exessive force to be exerted against the walls of the blood vessels. Over time, this can permanently reduce the elasticity of the vessels and make them more susceptible to atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Even over a short duration, high blood pressure increases the risk of rupturing one or more vessels, which can cause a heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure.

Causes of High Blood Pressure

In 85-90% of cases, a physician will be unable to determine an underlying cause for high blood pressure. This type of high blood pressure is termed essential hypertension or primary hypertension. In secondary hypertension, high blood pressure results from a known condition, such as kidney disease, hormonal imbalance, thyroid disease, excessive alcohol intake, or use of certain drugs including oral contraceptives, licorice, and corticosteroids. Essential hypertension probably results from a combination of factors more than from any one cause. Heredity is known to have an effect, as do diet, high cholesterol levels, stress, atherosclerosis, obesity, and diabetes. There is also some evidence that exposure to heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury, cadmium) can promote high blood pressure.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure tends to be asymptomatic until it reaches severe levels. Some of the warning signs of excessive or prolonged hypertension are:

• dizziness
• nervousness headache
• flushed face
• fatigue
• weakness
• restlessness
• insomnia
• difficulty breathing
• nose bleed
• emotional instability
• intestinal discomfort

Ultimately, the following problems may result from hypertension:

• kidney failure
• heart attack
• stroke

Diagnosing Hypertension

Hypertension isn't diagnosed based on a single high blood pressure measurement. Instead, higher than normal blood pressure needs to be demonstrated over multiple measurements. Causes for the high measurement need to be ruled out. Urine tests, blood tests, and eye exams may be used to help identify the cause of the high blood pressure and to assess tissue damage that may have already occurred.

Natural Hypertension Treatments

• Diet

  The body requires sufficient calcium, magnesium, and potassium for blood pressure control. Also important is a balance of electrolytes, so the intake of sodium chloride in relationship to calcium, magnesium, and potassium is also important. This is why some physicians recommend limiting salt for persons with hypertension. Calcium-rich foods include milk, cheese, yogurt, fish with bones, greens (e.g., collards, kale), oysters, and molasses. Foods containing magnesium include nuts, rice, bananas, soy, potatoes, wheat germ, kidney beans, lima beans, and molasses.Potassium is found in bananas, broccoli, cantaloupe, asparagus, avocados, honeydew melon, grapefruit, nectarines, oranges, cabbage, cauliflower, squash, green peas, and potatoes. As you can see, some foods contain more than one of these essential nutrients (e.g., molasses, bananas, potatoes). Supplementation with minerals may be helpful if these elements are not obtained through the diet or if medications are used or other conditions exist which interfere with absorption of the elements.

• Exercise

  If you haven't started exercising, consult with your physician first. Exercise confers many health benefits that can aid in the management and reduction of high blood pressure. Exercise improves circulation, reduces stress, decreases the resting heart rate (a sign of good cardiac health), helps maintain elasticity of blood vessels, and lowers blood pressure.

• Watch Your Weight

  While being underweight or overweight has an association with cardiac health, the relationship between weight and blood pressure is less clear. Obesity may contribute to high blood pressure, especially in people with a genetic predisposition to hypertension.

• Don't Smoke

  If you smoke, quit. If you don't smoke, don't start. Smoking can elevate blood pressure, in addition to reducing the effectiveness of the pulmonary and circulatory systems in other ways.

• Don't Overindulge with Alcohol

  If you drink, try to limit your alcohol intake to no more than 2 beers, 2 glasses of wine, or 2 ounces of liquor daily. Moderate alcohol use has been linked in some studies to a decrease in heart disease, yet chronic moderate alcohol use is also strongly associated with an increase in blood pressure.

• Stress Management

  Numerous studies have shown that stress management helps manage blood pressure. Techniques to help manage stress include biofeedback, tai chi, yoga, meditation, qigong, relaxation exercises, breathing exercises, aromatherapy, and hypnotherapy.

• Supplemental Garlic

  Use of supplemental garlic tends to lower blood pressure ~5 to 10%. In addition, garlic can also lower cholesterol, reduce triglyceride levels, increase circulation, and inhibit clot formation. A typical dose of garlic is 900 mg of garlic powder per day, standardized to contain 1.3% alliin (12,000 mcg of alliin per day). Garlic thins the blood, so it should not be combined with prescription (e.g., warfarin, pentoxifylline) or natural (e.g., gingko, vitamin E) blood-thinners. It is usually recommended to stop taking garlic weeks prior to and following surgery.

• Supplemental Hawthorn

  The flowers and berries of the hawthorn plant (Crataegus oxycantha) are used to reduce blood pressure, increase the strength of heart contractions, increase circulation to the heart muscle, and slow the heart rate. The herb generally supports the heart, increases intracellular vitamin C levels, and acts as a mild sedative. Therefore, hawthorn tends to be used for mild cases of hypertension. It is more commonly used to treat coronary artery disease, as it dilates the coronary vessels (those serving the heart). A typical dose of hawthorn is 100 to 300 mg three times a day of a dose standardized to contain about 2 to 3% flavonoids or 18 to 20% procyanidins. Alternatively, a tea may be made using one teaspoon of dried hawthorn herb to one cup of boiling water, administered at the rate of up to two cups per day.Several weeks or months are required for the full effects of hawthorn supplementation to become manifest.

• Supplemental Vitamin E

  Supplements of vitamin E appear to be effective in helping to manage some cases of mild hypertension. Vitamin E is an antioxidant which may reduce blood pressure by binding to nitric acid in the blood, which has the effect of dilating the blood vessels and decreasing pressure. Other antioxidants may offer similar protection, such as vitamin C. Vitamin E also protects blood vessels from oxidation and damage, so it may deter some of the negative effects of hypertension as well as help alleviate the condition.

• Supplemental Coenzyme Q10

  Coenzyme Q10, also called ubiquinone or simply Co Q10, is an antioxidant that is synthesized by the body and is obtained in the diet from fish and meat. Deficiency is believed to be associated with a problem in enzyme synthesis and not with diet. Adult levels of supplementation are often 30–90 mg per day, although most of the research on heart conditions involved 90–150 mg of CoQ10 per day. One double blind, placebo-controlled study of 59 men who were taking blood pressure medication found that 120 mg of Co Q10 taken daily for eight weeks reduced blood pressure by ~9%, as compared to placebo. A typical dose of Co Q10 is 30 to 100 mg three times a day. Coenzyme Q regularizes heart rhythm in addition to lowering blood pressure, in part by reducing blood viscosity. Co Q10 may react with or dimish the effectiveness of certain prescription medications.

• Ayurvedic Medicine

  Avurveda treats hypertension according to a person’s dosha, or constitutional type. High blood pressure is associated more with pitta and kapha types than with vata types. Ayurvedic treatments for hypertension may include use of the herbs sankhapuspi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) and ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), a diet low in salt and fat, and yoga focusing on breathing.

• Traditional Chinese Medicine

  Traditional Chinese medicine associates high blood pressure with problems in circulating the body's qi or energy. For essential hypertension, a combination of acupuncture and herbs may be recommended to balance energy flow, improve diet, and restore emotional balance. Secondary high blood pressure is believed to be due to exhaustion of energy reserves called kidney yin deficiency. The treatment regimen involves rebuilding and maintaining the body's energy. Seek the care of a physician trained in traditional Chinese medicine to explore these treatment options. Here are the ingredients for two common herbal formulas used to treat hypertension:

  Siler and Platycodon Formula (Sang-Feng-Tung-Shen-San):
  Indicated for hypertension accompanied by constipation and obesity.

  • Siler root 3.0 g
  • Talc 3.0 g
  • Skullcap root 2.0 g
  • Licorice root 2.0 g
  • Gypsum 2.0 g
  • Platycodon root (balloon flower) 2.0 g
  • Paichu (White atractylodes rhizome) 2.0 g
  • Rhubarb rhizome 1.5 g
  • Nitrous sulfate 1.5 g
  • Chinese angelica root 1.2 g
  • Ma-Huang (Ephedra) 1.2 g
  • Cnidium 1.2 g
  • Peony root 1.2 g
  • Gardenia fruit 1.2 g
  • Ginger 1.2 g
  • Field mint 1.2 g
  • Forsythia fruit 1.2 g
  • Chinchieh herb (Schizonepeta) 1.2 g

  Rehmannia Formula:
  Most commonly used for older people with hypertension, fatigue, and nephritis or kidney atrophy or nephritis.

  • Chinese foxglove (rehmmania) 8.0 g
  • Yam (dioscorea) 4.0 g
  • Cornus 4.0 g
  • Hoelen 3.0 g
  • Tree peony bark 3.0 g
  • Aconite root 1.0 g
  • Cinnamon bark 1.0 g
  The ingredients in the traditional Chinese formulations are potent and not without potentially dangerous side effects: do not use them except under the advice and care of a physician.
  

Natural Earache Oil

This easy-to-make herbal oil makes use of the antibacterial properties of garlic and the bacteriostatic properties of mullein to help prevent earaches and to ease the irritation and wax buildup that can accompany them. The formula is safe for children and adults. It should not be used in cases where the eardrum has ruptured. Always consult your healthcare practitioner for severe ear infections.

Tools

• measuring cups/spoons
  
• clean jar with lid
  
• blender (optional)
  
• strainer or coffee filter
  
• dropper
  

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh clove of garlic
  
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh or dried mullein flower
  
• approximately 1/2 cup (118 ml) of olive oil or almond oil
  

Directions

• Crush the garlic clove and break up the mullein flowers. (This could be done in a blender with the oil)
  
• Cover the garlic and mullein with oil and blend well.
  
• Pour the mixture into a clean jar and seal the jar.
  
• Store the jar away from light and heat. Shake the jar daily. The herbs need to be kept submerged under the oil (prevents spoilage), so add more oil as necessary.
  
• After 2 weeks, strain the mixture. Discard the herbs. Store the oil in the refrigerator.
  
• Use the oil by placing 2-3 drops of the oil into the ear canal. Allow the head to tilt back so that the oil can more easily flow down the ear canal. Massage the back of the ear to help disperse the oil through the ear canal. Repeat as needed.
  

Natural Cold Remedies

The common cold is the result of a viral infection. The average person catches 2-4 colds a year. While there is no definitive cure for the common cold, there are natural remedies you can take to boost your immune system so you are better able to resist catching a cold. If you catch a cold, there are natural options to reduce its duration and severity.

• Zinc
  
  Zinc is believed to reduce the length and severity of a cold, if taken when symptoms first appear. Zinc isn't recommended for long-term supplementation because excess zinc can impair the body's ability to absorb another important metal, copper.
  
  
  
• Vitamin C
  
  While present research does not indicate that vitamin C helps prevent getting a cold, it seems to be effective at lessening the severity and duration of cold symptoms. Also, having sufficient vitamin C can help increase resistance against infections in general (supplemental doses don't appear to improve this effect).
  
  
  
• Astragulus
  
  Astragulus root has antiviral properties and can help boost the immune system. Astragulus may help protect against getting a cold, but probably won't be helpful once you have a cold. Astragulus is most commonly seen in capsule, tea, or extract form.
  
  
  
• Honey
  
  Honey is used to calm coughing and soothe a sore throat. It is believed to work by coating the throat, to ease the irritation. Honey also contains antioxidants and has antibacterial properties. Honey is a popular remedy for children, though it shouldn't be given to children younger than one year of age because of the risk of botulism poisoning.
  
  
  
• Ginger
  
  Ginger is a traditional remedy for the coughing and sore throat that can accompany a cold. One of the most popular ways to take ginger is as hot ginger tea, sometimes with honey and lemon. Normal amounts of ginger, as would be found in foods, are tolerated by most people, but you should avoid taking ginger in supplemental quantities if you have gallstones, are taking blood-thinning medications, or will be undergoing surgery.
  
  
  
• Echinacea
  
  Echinaecea is taken when cold symptoms first appear. A typical dose would be to take echinacea every two to three hours with a total daily dose of three grams per day for several days. Present research does not indicate the herb statistically reduces the duration or severity of a cold, but it remains a popular remedy.
  
  
  
• Eucalyptus
  
  A steam inhalation containing eucalyptus can help thin mucous and provide temporary relief for a sore throat and congestion that can accompany a cold.
  
  
  
• Garlic
  
  Garlic has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is mainly taken to boost the immune system to help a person resist getting the cold or flu, though it can help prevent secondary infections if you catch a cold. Raw garlic is considered to be much more effective than cooked or dried garlic.
  
  
  
• Elderberry
  
  Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is a popular home remedy for sinus infection, colds, and the flu. Elderberry juice has antiviral properties. Elderberry is available as juice, syrup, and in capsules. Only the berries from the plant are edible. Other parts of the plant (including the unripe berries) contain cyanide and are toxic.
  
  
  
• Ginseng
  
  The type of ginseng grown in North America (Panax quinquefolius) may help protect you from catching a cold or the flu and may reduce its duration and severity if you contract it. However, ginseng interacts with many other medications, so if you are taking an over-the-counter or prescription drug, it's best to consult your medical professional before trying this remedy.
  
  

Natural Acne Remedies

Approximately 80% of female and 90% of male teenagers experience acne. However, acne isn't limited to teenagers. Many adults have acne, too. Acne is affected by factors including hormones, diet, cosmetics, medications, stress, weight, and other health conditions. It's a good idea to see a physician to rule out underlying conditions which may cause acne. Otherwise, there are highly effective natural acne treatments you can try to prevent and cure acne.

Diet

There are two ways foods affect acne. First, certain foods tend to increase susceptibility to immune or sensitivity reactions, which can worsen acne. Examples of common foods which cause reactions in many people are: chocolate, caffeine, seafood and other iodine-rich foods, carbonated beverages, dairy products, and trans-fats. It isn't that these foods cause acne, but they can increase inflammation and sebum production, plus what you eat definitely has an effect on the health of your organs, including your skin.

While some foods may contribute to acne, nutritional deficiencies worsen or cause acne. Insufficient vitamin A (or beta-carotene, from which the body can make vitamin A), zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin B6 all are implicated in acne. Some people have success with dietary supplements, but basically you can correct deficiencies by increasing your servings of fruits and vegetables and varying your protein sources. You can experience acne even if you eat a well-balanced diet, but acne is one indicator of malnutrition. Herbs are another way to supply your body with trace nutrients and other healthful compounds. For example, half a teaspoon daily (up to three times of day) of an herbal extract containing equal parts sarsaparilla, yellow dock, burdock, and cleavers may help to support a healthy diet, to prevent and control acne.

Watch What Is on your Skin

You can reduce acne by avoiding skin irritation and by not clogging your pores.

• Keep your hair off of your face, shoulders, and back.
• Wash your pillowcase frequently.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Don't squeeze pimples.
• Avoid wearing make-up or if you do wear make-up, make sure the products are non-comedogenic.

Treat your Skin

• Over-the-counter products may be highly effective at treating and preventing break-outs.
• Consider trying a face wash made for acne, but don't overwash your face. Avoid scrubbing. Overwashing or irritating your face will cause it to become inflamed and to produce more sebum.
  
  
• Applying a honey mask (apply honey, let it remain on the face for five minutes, gently rinse it off) may help minimize blemishes. Honey has antibacterial properties, yet is very gentle to the skin.

Try Whole-Body Solutions

• Massage increases circulation throughout your body, which helps to clear toxins and speeds healing of blemishes, in addition to other benefits.
  
  
• Reduce stress. Consider biofeedback, exercise, yoga, or meditation.

Make Your Own Oatmeal Bath

An oatmeal bath may provide relief for itching and discomfort associated with dry skin, chicken pox, shingles, poison ivy, poison oak, and sumac, eczema, insect bites, diaper rash, anal itching, windburn, and sunburn. You can buy a packet of oatmeal bath for around $6, but it's much less expensive to make yourself, plus it's very easy. Here's how to make an oatmeal bath:

Ingredients

• 1 cup of oatmeal (about 1/3 cup per bath for babies)
  
• blender, food processor, or coffee grinder

You can use any unflavored oatmeal, including instant oatmeal, slow-cooking oats, or quick oats. Blend the oats at the highest setting of your appliance until they are powdered. You can tell you have processed the oats long enough if you stir a little of the powder into a glass of warm water and the results are milky, with a silky feel.


Make an Oatmeal Bath

Sprinkle the oatmeal powder into a tub of running water. Stir the water with your hand to mix it. Break up any clumps you may feel on the bottom of the tub.

Use care getting into and out of the tub. The oats may cause the bottom of the tub to be more slippery than usual. Soak in the tub for 15-20 minutes, then pat yourself dry with a towel. An oatmeal bath may be used once or twice or day, or more often under the advice of your medical practitioner.


Uses for Oatmeal Baths

• chicken pox
  
• shingles
  
• poison ivy, oak or sumac
  
• nettles
  
• dry skin
  
• insect bites or stings
  
• eczema
  
• diaper rash
  
• anal itching
  
• sunburn
  
• windburn
  

Kapha Tea Recipe

This tea is intended to support and balance the Kapha Ayurvedic type. Kapha types gain balance from engaging in physical activity and avoiding fried or fatty foods, icy drinks, sweets, or excessive amounts of starch. Fresh vegetables are highly beneficial to Kapha types.

Ingredients

• 1 clove
  
• 1/4 teaspoon dried ginger
  
• 1/4 teaspoon dill seed
  
• 1/4 teaspoon fenugreek seed
  
• 1 cup boiling water

Directions

Steep the dry ingredients in a cup of boiling water for 5 minutes.
Strain the tea.
Enjoy!

Feng Shui for Better Sleep

Feng shui emphasizes the arrangement of living spaces to make the most of favorable energy flow. Feng shui recommendations tend to result in visually-appealing rooms. Here are some ideas for ways you can organize the furniture in a bedroom to help promote deep, restful sleep. If you suffer from insomnia, try optimizing your space to make it free from distractions, which would include following these ideas for improving your space:

• Avoid placing your bed in the corner of the room. Positive energy is believed to circulate better in the open spaces of the room, and is more stagnant in the corners.
  
  
• Avoid having the foot of the bed facing a doorway. When in bed, you shouldn't be able to directly see people passing or entering the room. If this isn't possible, it may be helpful to hang a mirror to reflect the doorway.
  
  
• Avoid placing your bed near a window, which can have the effect of draining energy.
  
  
• Avoid arranging the bed so that it faces sharp corners from walls or other pieces of furniture.

Calendula Infused Oil

Oil that has been infused with calendula (Calendula officinalis or pot marigold) is great for treating burns, scrapes, and itchy rashes. The flowers typically are harvested just before they burst into bloom. The infusion is easy to make.

Materials

• 1-1/2 cups (355 ml) dried calendula flowers
  
• 2 cups (474 ml) oil (e.g., olive oil, sunflower oil)
  

Instructions

• Process the flowers and oil in a blender until the mixture is smooth.
  
• Pour the mixture into a jar, cover the container, and store it in a warm location, out of direct sunlight.
  
• Shake the jar once a day for 2-3 weeks. The herbs must be submerged, so add more oil if necessary.
  
• Filter the oil using a strainer or cloth. Press the oil from the flowers. Discard the flowers.
  
• Store the oil in the refrigerator in a sealed jar.
  
• Apply the infused oil as needed to minor skin injuries (not deep lacerations).
  

Two-Layer Lemon Bath Oil

I love layered bath oils! Here's an easy and tangy two-layered bath oil recipe. The bath oil has a stimulating and refreshing scent. To use, simply shake the bottle to mix the ingredient and pour a small amount into the bath. The layers will reform. Vinegar is used instead of water because no preservative is required. If you wish, you can add a bit of food coloring. It will color the vinegar portion of the mixture.

Yield	1/2 cup
Time	5 Minutes
Tools	measuring cups/spoons pretty bottle, preferable tall and thin, with cork or cap
Ingredients	1/4 cup vegetable oil (e.g., olive, corn, canola) 1/4 cup vinegar (choose from white or apple cider, depending on desired color) 1/4 tsp. lemon essential oil (found in the spice aisle of your grocery store) 1/4 tsp. oil of bergamot
Directions	Add all of the ingredients to a clean decorative bottle. Seal and label the bottle. Shake immediately before use to mix the ingredients and keep the layers even.

Tropical Lip Gloss Recipe

These island ingredients will drench your lips with tropical moisture. The vitamin E is a natural preservative.

Yield - Approximately 1/2 ounce

Time - 5 minutes to make; a bit more time to cool

Tools

• teaspoon
• spoon
• clean container with lid
• small microwaveable or heat resistant cup or bowl

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon cocoa butter, grated
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon macadamia nut oil (may substitute almond oil or olive oil)
• 1 teaspoon light sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon petroleum jelly (optional: use to make gloss more solid or to add more shine)
  

Directions

Mix all of the ingredients in a cup or bowl.

Rest the container inside of a larger container of very hot (not boiling) water.

Stir the ingredients together until they are melted.

Pour the mixture into a small container with lid (lip gloss containers are commercially available).

Smooth the gloss onto lips, either to be worn alone or to add shine over lipstick.

Symptoms of Caffeine Overdose and Caffeine Withdrawal

Caffeine is a substance which occurs naturally in several plants or can be chemically synthesized. It is found in relatively high doses in coffee, some soft drinks (e.g., cola), and a variety of medications. It is also found in lesser amounts in tea and chocolate. Three cups of coffee is considered a moderate dose of caffeine for an adult. However, you can best gauge whether or not you are getting too much caffeine by being on the lookout for symptoms of caffeine overdose. If you are trying to cut back on caffeine, you may start experiencing withdrawal symptoms within 12 hours after stopping your intake. Withdrawal symptoms are at their worst 24-48 hours after the last cup of coffee (or other caffeine-containing substance), but can last for a week. For this reason, it's usually better to cut back on caffeine slowly over the space of several days.

Symptoms of Caffeine Overdose

Adults

• Insomnia or Difficulty Sleeping
• Muscle Twitches or Spasms
• Confusion
• Losing/Regaining Consciousness
• Hallucinations
• Dizziness
• Convulsions
• Increased Urination
• Increased Thirst
• Fever
• Nausea and/or Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty Breathing
• Irregular Heartbeat
• Rapid Heartbeat
• Death

Infants

• Tense Muscles Alternating with Relaxed Muscles
• Tremors
• Shock
• Deep Rapid Breathing
• Rapid Heartbeat
• Irregular Heartbeat
• Low Blood Pressure
• Nausea and/or Vomiting
• Death

Symptoms of Caffeine Withdrawal

• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Difficulty Concentrating
• Muscle Stiffness
• Hot Flashes and/or Chills
• Headaches

Medical Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

Most people realize they need to seek immediate medical attention if they are bleeding profusely from an obvious wound or experiencing the chest pains, dizziness, and shortness of breath that can signal a heart attack. However, there are other symptoms that may indicate a serious medical condition, requiring immediate attention:

Sudden Severe Headache

A blindingly severe headache can indicate an aneurysm in the brain - a spot where a weakened blood vessel bulges outward. Treating a blood vessel before it bursts can prevent disability or save your life. A sudden intensely agonizing headache is sufficient reason to seek immediate medical attention.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Losing weight without a change in your eating or exercise habits can signal a serious underlying medical condition. Similarly, an unexplained ongoing loss of appetite may be a symptom of illness.

Symptoms of a Stroke

People tend to take the classic symptoms of a heart attack more seriously than the often more subtle signs of a stroke. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience slurred speech, tingling, numbness, confusion, paralysis, weakness, and/or burning pain. Early treatment can often prevent permanent damage.

Headache with a Fever and Stiff Neck

These symptoms may indicate meningitis. Quick treatment of bacterial meningitis may save your life and prevent scarring of nervous tissue.

Black Stools

Black stools with a tar-like consistency may indicate bleeding in the stomach or small intestine. It's important to identify the cause of the hemorrhage. Bleeding ulcers and intestinal cancer can cause this symptom.

Men: Lump in the Testicles

A testicular lump can be a symptom of testicular cancer. Even as it is recommended that women perform routine breast self-exams, men should perform periodic exams of their testicles.

Women: Postmenopausal Bleeding

Vaginal bleeding after menopause may signify uterine cancer. The cancer is treatable if it is caught early enough, but many women tend to discount this symptom.

Seek medical attention for these symptoms. Although the symptoms themselves may seem minor, they can indicate a serious illness. A check-up can give you peace of mind or even save your life.

Bach Flower Remedies

In the 1930's, Dr. Edward Bach used his knowledge of homeopathy to devise a plant-based remedy to treat a particular set of negative feelings. The Bach Flower Remedies are thought to work by stimulating the body’s capacity to self-heal and by balancing negative feelings. Remedies are selected which most closely correspond to a person's basic personality type or the particular emotional stress that is being experienced. The Bach Remedies are generally considered to be non-toxic, non-addictive, and safe to use with other medications. Bach flower essences are widely available from suppliers who carry homeopathic or naturopathic remedies.

Flower - Indication

Agrimony - repressed worries, for one who has a cheery outward appearance that conceals internal fears and concerns

Aspen - apprehension, fear of the unknown, anxiety, foreboding

Beech - intolerance, being critical of others, narrow-mindedness, feeling annoyed by others

Centaury - inability to say 'no', trying to please others, easily exploited

Cerato - lack of trust in own decisions, always turning to others for decisions

Cherry Plum - for some compulsions and obsessions, fear of impulsively doing something known to be wrong, impulsiveness

Chestnut Bud - failure to learn from mistakes, destructive patterns of behavior

Chicory - possessive love, needing to be involved in the lives of others, meddling

Clematis - daydreaming, withdrawing into a fantasy world

Crab Apple - feelings of self-hatred, poor self image, shame of physical appearance

Elm - feeling overwhelmed by responsibility, feeling unequal to a task

Gentian - discouraged by a setback, making 'mountains of molehills'

Gorse - hopelessness, despair, feeling nothing can be done

Heather - self-centered, needs to talk about one's self, unhappy when alone

Holly - hatred, jealousy, envy

Honeysuckle - dwelling on the past, expecting to never be happy again

Hornbeam - procrastination, fatigue due to boredom

Impatiens - impatience, irritability with slowness in others

Larch - lack of confidence, expectation of failure

Mimulus - fear of known things or things encountered in everyday life, such as fear of the dark, fear of growing old, etc.

Mustard - gloominess, feeling overshadowed by a cloud

Oak - for one who continues past the point of exhaustion, workaholic, one who continues to fight a battle that cannot be won

Olive - exhaustion following mental or physical effort, lacking vitality

Pine - guilt, perfectionist, dissatisfaction with the efforts of others

Red Chestnut - too much concern for the welfare of loved ones, always anticipating the worst

Rock Rose - fright, terror, extreme fear in the face of an emergency or accident

Rock Water - self-denial, repression, being too hard on oneself

Scleranthus - indecision, mood swings, unable to achieve balance

Star of Bethlehem - shock, refusing to be consoled, for trauma following receipt of bad news or loss

Sweet Chestnut - extreme mental anguish, when it seems no hope remains, when you have reached the limits of your endurance

Vervain - overly enthusiastic, feeling the need to convert others over to your way of thinking

Vine - inflexibility, dominance, domineering, seeming to have too much self-assurance

Walnut - protection from change and unwanted influences, for periods of transition and adjustment to new beginnings, protection from peer pressure and negativity from others

Water Violet - pride, arrogance, for loners who appear aloof, for those who seem unapproachable or distant

White Chestnut - unwanted thoughts and mental arguments, for when the mind replays the same 'broken record' to distraction

Wild Oat - uncertainty over one's direction in life, for feeling lost

Wild Rose - apathy, resignation, accepting what life has in store without an effort to influence it

Willow - self-pity, resentment, for unjust suffering and the feelings that tend to accompany it, for feeling unfortunate

Rescue Remedy - Mix of cherry plum, clematis, impatiens, rock rose and star of Bethlehem, used to help deal with any emergency or stressful event